this post was submitted on 04 Dec 2024
56 points (100.0% liked)

Linux

48622 readers
1129 users here now

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

Rules

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
 

I have a Surface Go tablet that I switched over to Linux a while back, and just came across a problem that I don't know how to approach. I use an iDataLink Maestro module in my car to make an aftermarket stereo do what I want it to do. I want to check for a firmware update on it, but the management software tool is windows or mac only.

So I installed WINE and the PlayonLinux front end. I successfully installed the tool (Weblink) but the keyboard doesn't work so I can't log into it. The trackpad works though, and this is a directly connected keyboard/trackpad, so for one to work but not the other seems weird. I can find threads about non-functional keyboards with some games, but I honestly don't understand the guidance being dished out.

How can I troubleshoot and fix this keyboard issue?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (3 children)

Hey, I don't have answers to your question, but how is Linux working on a Surface? I have a Surface 7 Pro which is the last Windows machine I own. I would love to replace Windows on that. I need the touch screen, pen, and webcams to continue working though. What distro did you use?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

I have a Surface 7 Pro running KDE Neon. I don't have a pen, but touch screen works perfectly (you might need to manually install an on-screen keyboard beforehand, as usually Linux doesn't preinstall one by default), and I'd assume pen would too. Webcams are going to be an issue. You can find all information and support tables/matrix on the linux-surface website.

https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/wiki/Supported-Devices-and-Features#feature-matrix

Here's a long explanation on the work being done to make the cameras work (hint -they don't, for our SP7 for now): https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface/wiki/Camera-Support

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago
[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

I use surface pro 3 with pop os, basically u can install latest ubuntu and install this custom kernel. https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface And staying on Wayland it's handle much better multi touch fingers especially on gnome which feels like designed for exactly such devices and gestures feels and works much than on windows my fav one 3 finger swipe between virtual desktops

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Would this kernel work with Pop?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

Sure,just pop is by default running x11 so need enable it in gdm config file

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago
[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

I run Mint and the touchscreen and pen both work. I haven't tried anything with the web cam to confirm or deny that one.

The system programs let you scroll on the touch screen (looking through the app store for example) but, frustratingly, Firefox doesn't support this. I haven't looked too hard for an alternative or work around though.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 week ago

Okay thank you. Firefox does support it, but you have to change a setting to make it scroll instead of select text. I remember that from my regular laptop touch screen install. I don't remember what the setting is, but I'm sure you can find it with a quick search.